Directional signal



' B. w. sMrrH DIREGTlONAL SIGNAL April 16, 1.9.40.

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 14, 1936 lll/ April 16, 1940.

B. W. SMITH DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 -Filed Dec. 14,- 195s April 16, 1940. A B. w. SMITH 2,197,226

DIRE-enorm. slam.

Filed nec. 14, '19:56 4 sheets-sheet s A. www-.1....

@9655 Wsmz/INVENTOR Patented Apr. 16, 1940 UNITED STATES align-,226-

PATENT oFFlcI-i 'I'he present invention relates to directional signals for use on motor vehicles designed toy indicate to those approaching the vehicle, either from the front or rear, the direction in which the driver intends to proceed preparatory to making a turn.

One object of the invention is to provide a signal of this class embodying a compact and simplied construction which can be manufactured at a relatively low cost and which will operate eiectively for the purpose intended.

.A further object of the invention is to provide in a device of this type means forming a plurality of signals for indicating a change in the direction l5 of movement of the vehicle, together with means for selectively illuminating the signals. h

A further object of the invention is to provide in a signal of the class described a casing having'. a plurality of electric light bulbs. or lamps grounded on the casing and supported by devices detachably mounted. therein and cooperating therewith to complete the lamp circuits whereby to avoid the use of circuit wires within the casing and to permit the lamps to be readily assembled Within and withdrawn from the casing when desired. n Y

A further object of the invention is to provide a lamp casing having 4a plurality of lamp. compartments with lamps therein, some of which afford an indicating signal pointing in one direction and some of which will form another indicating signal pointing in a different direction, the arrangement being such that each of the illuminated signals will be visible from opposite sides of the casing. l

A further object of the invention is to provide a directional signal for use on motor vehicles, including a casing provided with light transmitting members having indicating signals formed thereon, the casing being provided with electrically controlled means for illuminating the signals, said light transmitting members having lenses associated therewith through which the signals are made visible only upon operation of the illuminating means within the casing.

' A further object of the invention is to provide an improved device of the class described, including a casing containing a direction-indicating signal with illuminating means therefor and a colored lens forming a closure for the casing and having a plurality-of zones impervious to light and of a shade -or color contrasting to that of the lens and serving to render the signal invisible under light rays emanating from an exterior light source.

A further object of the invention is to provide n an improved lens for use with a signaling device of the class described.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved combination of lens elements 5 for use with signaling means of the present type.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved device of the class described in which the signals are so protected that they cannot be illuminated to theextent of beingrendered visible 10 under exposure to exterior light sources such, for example, as sunlight or the headlights of approaching vehicles, thus avoiding confusion on the part of the drivers of such vehicles and accidents whichmight result iffalse or unintended 15 signals were indicated.

,A further object of the invention is' to provide improved selectively `controlled means for automatically flashing the signals. whereby to increase their effectiveness as a means for warning the .20

s. drivers of other vehicles approaching from oppo-` site directions.

I l To these and other ends theinvention resides in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully de- 25 scribed, the novel features being pointedout in the claims at the end of the specification. 1

Inthedrawings: Y. l A. e

Fig. 1 is a part Asectional elevation of a signaling device illustrating one form of the invention; 30

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken on line 2 2 of Fig.- 1; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation on line 3-3 of Fig, 4; y

' Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the line 4-4 35 of Fig. 3; l

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation on line 5--5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on line 6--6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a detailed view of one of the contact plates shown in Fig. l3;

Fig. 8 is a'part sectional elevation illustrating y a casing similar to that lshown in Fig. l and containing a modified arrangement of signal lamps,` 45 the cover of the casing being omitted to better illustrate the arrangement of thervarious parts contained therein;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 9- 9 ofFig. 8;

Fig. 10 Iis a fragmentary sectionalA elevation through the upper wallof the casing shown in Fig. 8, illustrating the manner of grounding one of the lamp circuit connections on the casing;

Fig. l11 is a fragmentary elevation of a modied 55 arrangement of parts for establishing a ground between certain of the lamps and the casing therefor; v

Fig. 12 is a horizontal section on line I2-I2 of Fig. l1;

Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation on line I3-I3 o f Fig. l1;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a manually controlled electric circuit arrangement for the lampsillustrated in Figs. 1 and 8;

Fig. 15 is Japart sectional plan` of adevicefor automatically controlling and flashingthe signals;

Fig. 16 is a part sectional elevation of the same;

Fig. 17 is a similar section, as viewed from the left of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a'detaled view of the shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 19 is a transverse section of Fig. 18;

. Fig-20 is a diagrammatic arrangement of the electric circuit;and the control means therefor shown in Figs. 15 to 1'7, inclusive;

Fig. 21 is a view ofv a motor vehicle showing the signal vapplied to.- oneof the fenders thereof;

Fig. 22 is a view in elevation of the signal as it appears. when not-lilluminated, means being on une Isa-Is shownfbycwhich itis connected with the vehicle;

Fig. 23 `isa-view showing the signal as it appears when certain` of the lights are turned on Fig. 24isa face view of one of the direction indicating disks mounted within the signal cas- Fig. 25 -is a similar view showing the opposite lace ofthe disk;

Fig. 26 is a view illustrating a portion of one of the lenses shown in Fig. 2, drawn to an en larged scale;

Fig. 2'7 is a sectional view on line 21-21 of Fig. 26, and

Fig. 28 is a sectional view, including the lenselement shown infFig. 27 and an additional lens element associated therewith.

The same reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The invention embodies generally a direction indicating device for use on motor vehicles which is so constructed and mounted as to be visible to the drivers of other vehicles approaching from opposite directions when the signal is illuminated preparatory to making a turn, either to the right or left. 4vThe device, however, is designed to prevent the signals from being rendered visible by sunlighty or the headlights of approaching vehicles and other exterior light sources when thelights disposed within the casing containing thc signals are turned off. The signalling device is preferably placed on the left hand front fender of the vehicle butvmay be mounted on top of the vehicle, or on a suitable upstanding support positioned next to the 'clrivers seat, or at any other suitable point. i

Thel casing containing the signals may be of any preferred shape or Ldesign and has therein a plurality 'ofopen ended lpockets protected by different colored lenses at opposite sides of the casing, the pockets being shaped to simulate arrows pointing in different directions and the lamps or other, suitable illuminating means being disposed withinor .'idj'a.cuentthe` pockets, or insuch positionuasfto effectively-illuminate the same. The lamps'corresponding r-to each of the arrows are selectivelycontrolledv'by a suitable switch placed "on orne-ar the steering wheel, or in a position commutator to be conveniently operated by the driver of the vehicle. Improved means for automatically flashing the signals is also provided which can be operated by a suitable electric motor or any preferred means connected with and adapted to shown in Fig. 2. The `disks are preferably held in position by the oppositely disposed frame rings I 8' and I9, each of which is provided with lugs 20, the lugs of one of the rings being threaded to receive the connecting screws 2I as shown in Fig. 2. The characteristics and purposes of the different disks or lenses at the opposite ends of the lamp housing will be described hereinafter.

Threaded within the bottom of the lamp hous- ,ing is a tubular member 22 provided with a locking nut 23 which forms a seat or stop for a cupshaped member 24 forming a housing for certain parts described hereinafter. The cup-shaped member is seated within a recess of a supporting base 25 of rubber or other suitable insulating material, said base being adapted to rest on the fender 26 of the motor vehicle,designated generally `by the reference numeral 21, Fig. 21, or some other part thereof. 'I'he base 25 is clamped upon the fender by a tubular connecting member 28 which extends through the bottom of the cup-shaped member 24 downwardly through the wall of the fender and which is clamped in position by a nut 29, as shown in Fig. 2. A ring 30 of insulating material is disposed within the cup- Figs. 1 and 2. The blocks 32 and 33 are separated by a pair of similarly constructed metal plates 34 forming electrical circuit connections or contacts for other parts disposed within the lamp housing as described hereinafter, said plates having relatively large and small openings 35 andv 35a therein, respectively. Mounted within the housing are a pair of U-shaped partition members 36 and 31 which are. best shown in Fig. l. The lower ends 36a and 31a of the partition members 36 and 31, respectively, are seated'on the insulating block 32 while the upper ends 36h and 31h of said members are seated on a block of insulating material 38 atA the opposite side of the casing, which is suitably connected by means of screws 33 extending through the portions 36h and 31h of the U-shaped members 36 and 31 with the insulating block 40, seated on the inner -wall of the casing. The U-shaped partition members are separated by a vertically extending plate 4I, formed of suitable insulating material, the ends of the plate being disposed within the grooves formed in the insulating blocks 32 and 33, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

Four binding `posts for the lead-in wires of the lamp circuits are extended within the cupshaped member 24 which are preferably in the form of screws, two of which are shown, one at 42 and another at 43 in Fig. 3 of the drawings.

Iare disposed the strips y 9,191,920 The head oi 'the screw 42 is seated on the portion 33a of the Ushaped member 33 while the head of the screw 43 is seated on the portion 31a of the U-shaped member 31. The screws 42 and 43 are extended through the relatively large holes 35 of the contact plates 34 in spaced relation to said plaies. The Jtwo additional binding posts constitute the screws 44 and 45, the headsl of which are disposed within the insulating block 32 and on the contact plates 34, said screws being extended through smaller holes 35a of the contact plates 34. The four screws shown in Fig.` 4 are extended through the insulating block 3| and have threaded on their outer ends the elongated nuts 46 which are provided with transverse openings for the reception of the ends of the circuit wires or connections, as shown in` Figs. 1 and 2, screws 41 being threaded within the nuts to secure said ends therein.

The U-shaped members 36 and 31 have their central outer portions seated on similarly constructed insulating blocks 43 which are fitted within the channel-shaped contact members 49, between which and the wall of the lamp casing 50 formed of suitable insulating material, all as shown in Fig. 1. The insulating blocks 48, the contact members 49, and the strips of insulating material 50 are provided with centrally disposed openings, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, for a purpose which will appear hereinafter, said parts being preferably secured' to the wall of the lamp housing by means of the screws 5I, as shown in Fig. 6. At the top ofthe lamp housing a pair of angular'supports 52 are clamped between the blocks of insulating material 38 and 40, said supports being insulated from the lamp casing by the block 49, as shown in Fig. 1.

Positioned within the \casing are vfour similarly constructed resilient metallic plates or members 53, 53a, 53h, and 53e, said members being provided with lamp sockets 54, 54a, 54h, and 54e, respectively, the sockets being adapted to receive and support the electric bulbs or lamps designated by the reference characters C, A, F, and D, respectively, which extend within the triangular compartments C', A', F'` and D', as shown in Fig. 1. i i

The sockets are each provided with oppositely disposed grooves 55 for the passage of the projecting pins or lugs 56 on-the lamps, which upon rotation of the lamps, each to a predetermined position, will take into the notches 51 of the sockets whereby rotation of the lamps is prevented when they are assembled within the casing, as shown in Fig. 1.

The U-shaped partition members 36 and 31 are provided with similarly constructed socket members 54dl for receiving and supporting the lamps B and E, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 6, said socket members lhaving oppositely disposed slots 55a for receiving the pins or lugs 56 of the lamps B and E to prevent turning of the latter within the sockets.

The lamps B and E are each held in position by coiled springs 58, the outer ends of the springs being seated on the free ends of the bulbs and their opposite ends having disposed therein the disks 59 suitably secured on the insulating plate 4| which serve to holdthe'springs in proper position with respect to the lamps.

The lamps have the usual metal contact portions 60 and 60a for th'e passage of the current to and from the iilament, the portions 60 engagand the portions 60a being grounded-on'- the lam casing as best shown in Figs. 3 and y6.

Beginning with the binding posts shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, and with which the four U lead-in wires are connected the current suppliedV to lamp C will flow /through binding post 44,

contact member 34, supporting parts 53 and 54 for lamp C and through the contacts 60 and 69a of the lampto the grounded casing Il, current at the same time being supplied to lamp A through the members 34, 53, 49 and the supporting lmembers 53a rand 54a therefor, and `thence through the contact-portions 60 and 60a of the'lamp to the grounded casing member Il. The current supplied to lamp B will ilow through binding post 42, U-shaped partition member 36, socket member 54d, and the contacts 30 and 69a -of the lamp to the grounded casing.

At the otherside of the casing current will ilow through the binding post.45, contact member 34, supporting parts 53h and 54h for the lamp F and thence through the contacts 59 and 60a of the lamp to the grounded casing, current at the same time flowing through binding posts 45, contact member 34, the supporting member 53h for the lamp F, the channel shaped member 40, the supporting parts 53e and 54e of the lamp D'and the contacts 60' and 60a of said lamp to the groundedcasing. Current supplied to lamp 'E will now-through binding post 43, U-shaped partition member 31, socket member 54d, and the contacts and `lilla of lamp E to the grounded casing. i

As previously stated the compartments within which the `lamps are disposed are so shaped and arranged that when certain of the lamps are illuminated an arrow pointing in one direction. will be rendered visibleboth at the' front and back of the signal. Furthermore when the lamps forming another group are illuminated, the arrow pointing in the opposite direction will be visible, both from the front and back sides of the signal. For example, when the lamps A, B, C, and E are illuminated-an arrow pointing to the left-as viewed in Fig. 1 will be rendered visible, while if the lamps D, E, F, and B are illuminated an arrow pointing to the right will be rendered visible.`

With the circuit arrangement shown in Fig. 14

the lamps for rendering visible the`right and left hand arrows vcan readily be turned on to illumi` nate either of the arrows as may bev desired. Furthermore the lamps corresponding to each of the arrows can be selectively or progressively illuminated in a manner to attract attention by be lilluminated. In this case, current'will owy from battery yI la through the movable member 6I of the switch, contact 44h, wire 44a,'lamps A and C, and connection 4Ib to ground IIb. At the same time currentiwill flow through contact 42b, wire 42a, lamp B to ground and connection 41a, wire 43a, lamp E, and connection 4Ib to ground. On the other hand, if the movable switch member 6l is in engagement with the contacts 43h and 45h, lamps D, E, F, and B will ing the sockets, through which the current flows, be illuminated. In this case, current will flow 1l from battery through the movable switch member 6I, contact 45h, wire 45a, lamps F and D, and connection 4Ib to ground.' At the same time, current will iiow through contact 43h, wire 43a, lamp E to ground, and also through connection 41a, wire 42a, lamp B and connection 4|b to ground.

The resilient lamp supporting plates or mem' bers 53, 53a, 53h, and 53c are inserted in posi-L tion within the casing after the lamps have been properly positioned within the sockets of said members, with the result that the supporting members are deflected inwardly of the casing by the pressure of the lamps thereon, through engagement of the central terminal portions 60a ofthe 'lamps with the inner face of the casing, the pressure being suflicient to hold the supporting members in assembled relation within the casing. In other words, the upper edges of the topmost members 53a and 53c will be firmly held in contact with the angular supports 52 while the lower edges of said members willlikewise be held in contact with the upper iianged portions of the' channel-shaped contact members 49. On the other hand, the upper edges of the lower supporting members 53 and 53h are urged in engagement with the lower iianges of the contact members 49 while the lower edges of said supporting members are urged in engagement with the lflanged portions of the contact plates 34, as shown in Fig. 1. Y

The lamps A, C, D, and F can thus be readily assembled within or withdrawn from the casing without the use of tools when desired. The same applies to the lamps B and E, the central terminal portions 60a of which are urged in engagement with the inner face of the casing by the springs 58, it being understood that to detach these lamps it is only necessary to move them inwardly against the resistance of the springs far enough to withdraw them from the socket members 54d, after which they can be readily withdrawn, assuming, of course, that -the disks for closing the ends of the casing have first been removed.

It will be understood that the circuit wires 42a, 44a, 43a, and 45a, of the wiring diagram shown in Fig. 14 are extended into the cup-shaped member 24 of Fig. 1, land that they are respectively connected with the'screws or binding posts 42, 44, 43, and 45 of said gure.

In moving the switch member 6l of Fig. 14 to the left it will engage the contact member 42h in advance of its engagement with the contact 44h which will result in first illuminating the lamps B and E located in the central compartments B' and E of the housing. Upon further movement of said switch member it will engage the contact 44h, at which time the lamps A and C will be illuminated to complete the head of the arrow, which will conform substantially to the shape afforded by the compartments A', B', and C', the stem of the arrow being formed by the compartment E. The same will be true, of course, if the switch member 6| is moved to the right of Fig. 14, in which case the lamps B and E will first be illuminated upon engagement of said member with the Contact 43a and then the lamps D and F, when said member is moved into engagement with the contact 45h. Thus it will be seen that certain groups of the lamps correspond-- ing to either of the arrows may be illuminated one in advance of another, thereby making it possible to illuminate the compartments containing the lamps of said groups in a predetermined order, whichwill increase the effectiveness of the signal byy affording an indicatin 'of a moving arrow.

In Figs. 15 to 19, inclusive, is shown a. device forautomatically iiashing the signals which may be driven either by a small electric motor or by gearing or otherrmeans suitably connected with and driven bythe engine of the vehicle. Thisdevice comprises a supporting arm or member 62 forconnection with the frame or body of the Vehicle,`- and a bracket 63 -adjustably'held on the arm bymeans of the set-screw 64, the bracket havingconnected therewith a casing designated generally fbyfthe reference numeral 65 and comprising side, top, and bottom walls, 66, 61, and 68, respectively. Mounted within the casing is a pair' of solenoids or magnets 69 and 10 the cores of which "are indicated at'6 9a. and 10a, respectively. Rotatably mounted within the casing is a commutator 1I comprising a core 12 formed of insulating material and a metal sleeve 13 thereon, the opposite edges of which are spaced apart as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 (to provide a non-metallic surface 1|f). vThe commutator is supported for rotation within the casing by a shaft 1 4 the opposite ends of which are journaled in'V suitable bearings in the end walls of the casing: The outer end of the shaft is provided With a gear 15 meshing with a pinion 16 on a drive shaft 11 journaled in the bracket 63 op the bottom of the casing and in the upper wall 61 of the casing, the shaft being adapted for operation by any suitable means such asa small electric motor or a part adapted to be driven by the engine of the vehicle as previouslyfor cooperation with the commutator, one corre- '4 sponding to the lamps A, B, C, and E, and the other to lamps D, E, F, and B, shown in the wiring diagram of Fig. 20.

One set of brushes is designated by the reference numerals 1ia,1ib, and 1Ic, while the other set is designated by the reference numerals 12a,

12b,'and 12e, Figs. 16 and 20. The brushes are in the form of resilient spring-like members, the Xed ends of which are suitably connected with the blocks of insulating material 15a carried by the brackets 16a. for supporting the magnets 69 and 10 within the casing 65. The free ends of the brushes are carried by the blocks 11 formed of insulating material which are suitably secured within the channel-shaped armatures 18, 'the outer ends of which are pivotally connected at 19 with the brackets 16 as shown in Fig. 15.v The armatures 18 are normally heldin engagement with the abutments of the brackets 16 by the brushes which, being of spring material, tend to move outwardly lor in a direction away from the magnets, the armatures being moved into engagement with the cores of the magnets upon energizing the magnets by closing the circuits corresponding thereto.

Current for energizing the magnets 69 and 10 may be supplied by a suitable source, such as the battery 8|, which may be grounded on the frame of the machine at any desired point. The battery is connected with the solenoids by means of the wires 82 and 83, as 'shown inFig. 20, and

is also connected with the commutator by means of the contact member 84 which at all times engages the lower end ofthe shaft 14 for rotating the commutator.

A switch 85 for controlling the circuits of the flasher may be placed on or adjacent the steering wheel or instrument board of the machine and moved to the left to close the circuit through the connection 89h ofl the solenoid 68, or to the right to close the circuit through the connection 10b of the solenoid 10, depending on which direction the driver of the vehicle intends to turn, the switch having a connection 86 grounded on the frame or body of the vehicle at any desired point.

In the operation of the flashing device, assuming that the commutator 1l is constantly rotated by theshaft 11 and gears 16 and 15` for driving the same, the movement of the switch member 85 to the right hand dotted line position shown in Fig. will result in the movement of the armature 18 into contact with the core 10a of the magnet 10 whereby the brushes 12a, 12b, and 12c will be moved into position to contact the commutator as shown in Fig. 15. The brushes 12a, 12b,l and 12c,.wil.l then successively engage the stepped portions 13a, 13b, and 13e of the commutator sleeve, with the result that the lamps B and E will be successively illuminated, following which the lamps D and F will be simultaneously illuminated. In other words, current will ow rst through brush 12C, connection 14C, and a portion of connection 13b to lamp B, and thence to ground llo through connection llc. Subsequently, current will flow through brush 12b, connection 1lb, lamp E, and

l then to ground through connection llc. Current will then flow through brush 12a, connections 14a,`

and 14h, to lamps D and F and through connection llc to ground. The lamps B and E will therefore be successively illuminated, following which the lamps D and F will. be simultaneously illuminated. The lamps B, E, and D and F will continue to ash in the order named as long aS the switch member 85 is held at the right hand dotted line position shown in Fig. 20.

The same results will be obtained in the sa'me manner if the control switch member 85' is yheld at the left hand dotted 'line position shown in Fig. 20, current then owing rst through brush .1Ic, connection 13e, and a portion of connection 14h to lamp E, and thence to ground through connection Mc. Brush 1lb will then contact with the sleeve of the commutatorat which time current will flow through connection 13b and lamp'B to groundthrough connection llc. Next when the. brush 1Ia contacts with the sleeve 13 current will ow through connections .13a and 13d to the lamps A and C and thence to ground through connection 4Ic.

It will be understood that during rotation of the commutator that the brushes willintrmittently engage the exposed portion 11f of the core of the commutator whereby the lights will become extinguished. It is apparent therefore that during rotation of the commutator the lights corresponding to either signal will be intermittently flashed and extinguished in a predetermined sequence. It will thus be seen that with the mechanism described, either set of signal lamps may be automatically and intermittently flashed preparatory to turning the vehicle in, whichever direction the driver may wish` to go merely by moving the switch member 85 to the desired position. Flashing of the lamps o! either set in the order named will increase the eiectiveness of the signal by progressively illuminating different portions thereof, thus Yaffording a more f distinct indication of the direction of movement of the vehicle by reason of the appearance of an arrow moving in said direction. i

The modified lamp arrangement shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10 is generally similar to that shown in Figs. l and 2, the principal difference being in the mounting means for the two centrally disposed horizontal lamps shown in Fig. 8. The casing l Id is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and is provided with the same means for mounting it upon and connecting it with the fender 26 of the. vehicle, and the same arrangement of binding posts and lead-in wires for supplying current to the lamps. The supporting members and sockets. thereon for the .ramps Az, c2, Dz, and F2 are the same as the supporting members and sockets for the lamps l A, C, D, and F, and have, therefore, been given the same reference numerals.

Moreover, the general arrangement of the lamps shown in Fig. 8 is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and the compartments within which the lamps are disposed correspond in shape to those in which the lamps of Fig. 1 are mounted. The upper ends of the lamp supports 53a and 53o are urged in engagement with the beveled edges of the block 38a formed of insulating material and seated on the block 40a, also formedof insulating material, said blocks being held in position by means of the screws 39a, Fig. 10.

The lower ends of the. supporting members 53a and 53e are urged in engagement with the flanged portions of the channel-shaped plates 49a clamped between the inner and outer blocks 48a and 50a. which are formed of insulating material, said blocks being held in position by the screws 5Ia, Fig. 9. The upper ends of the lamp supports 53 and 53h arev urged in engagement with the lower yiianges of the channel-shaped members 49a as shown in Fig.k 8. The lower ends Aof said supporting members -are `urged in engagement with the anged portions of the angular contact members 34a similar to the members 34 of Fig. 1, and which .are disposed between the blocks of insulating material 32a and 33a, similar in construction to the corresponding blocks 32 and 33 shown in Fig. 1.

The blocks 32a and 33a have the same arl porting the lamps A2 and C2. Moreover the resilient supports for the lamps A2, C2, D2, and

4F2 can be readily slid into and out of operating position and are securely held in said position by the pressure exerted thereon through engagement of the lamp contacts 80a with the casing Ild. h

The lamps B2 and E2 are supported within the casing Hd by similarly constructed U-shaped partition members, each formed of the angular lsections'81 and 88 connected by the channelshaped members 88 and 80, said members being clamped together by the screws. SIb which are shown in Fig. 9. .The sections 81 are provided the wan of v extended through the insulating blocks 48a as with outwardly turned portions 81a which are seated on-the insulating blocks 32a and electrically connected with the lead-in wires of the lamp circuits by the arrangement of binding posts shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. f

A metal plate 9I is extended vertically through the casing between the partition members 81 and 88, the plate being separated from said members by the oppositely disposed strips of insulation 92 as shown in Figs. 8 and 10. The vertically disposed portions of the partition members 81 and 88 are clamped upon the strips of insulation 92 and the latter upon the metal plate 9| by means of the screws 93 which are extended Y,

through openings 9 Ia in said plate in spaced relation to the latter as shown in Fig. 10, washers 93a of insulating material being provided for the heads and nuts of the screws as shown in Fig. 10. The metal plate 9I is electrically connected with the screw 39a, preferably by soldering, whereby said plate is grounded on the casing I Id, the lower end of the plate being insulated from the partition members 81 in the same manner as the upper end as indicated in Fig. 10.

The sockets 88a of the lamps B2 and E2 are each provided with oppositely extending trunnions 88h which are journaled in the partition y upper ends connected therewith by soldering.

The opposite leaves of the spring are provided with depressed portions 89h for the reception of the central contactsa of the lamps as shown in Fig. 9, the lamps being held in the position shown in said iigure through frictional) engagement of said contacts with the leaves of the spring which tend to move the lamps in opposite directions, thereby urging the trunnions of the lamps in contact with the walls of the' partition members 81 and 88.

The lamps A2, C2, D2, and F2 are grounded on the casing IId, current flowing to the lamps through the supDOlting parts therefor in the manner previouslyl described in connection with the arrangement of lamps shown in Fig. 1. The current for illuminating the lamps B2 and E2 will flow thereto through the partition members 81, the trunnions 88h, the sockets 88a of the lamps and thence through the contacts and 60a oi' the lamps, the leaves of the springs 89a, the plate 9| and the screw 39a, grounded on the casing I Id. The circuit connections for the lamps of Fig. 8 may be as shown for example either in Fig. 14 or Fig. 20, depending on whether or not the flashing mechanism is to be used.

The modication shown in Figs. 1'1 to 13, inclusive, embodies a different mounting means for the intermediate lamps B2 and E2 from that shown in Fig. 8. In this modication the housing I I d will contain the same general arrangement of lamps as that shown in Fig. 8 and the same lamp supporting devices, with the exception of the partition members 81 and 88 and other -parts for electrically connecting the lamps B2 and E2 with the casing. In Fig. 11 a portion of the lamp housing is indicated at I Ic, upon the inner wall oi' which is secured the insulating blocks 48h and 50h and the channel-shaped plate V4911 therebetween,

which parts are generally similar to the corresponding parts 48a, 50a, and 49a of Fig. 8. The parts for supporting the lampsl of this modification, corresponding to the upper and lower lamps of Fig.,8 will be the same, two of which are indicated at 53 and 53a in Fig. 11. 'I'he partition members for supporting the centrally disposed lamps, one of which lamps is shown at B3, will be'generally similar to the partition members 36 and 31 of Fig. 1 and will be connected with the lamp casing lin the same manner, said partition members being partially illustrated in Fig. 11 and designated by the reference characters 36j and 31j. The plate member lIf of Fig. 11, interposed between the partition members, is formed of insulating material and corresponds to and is provided for the same purpose as the plate member 4I of Fig. 1.

'I'he lamp B3 is supported between the horizontal portions of the partition member 36f by means of an arch-shaped bracket 94, the upper and lower ends of which are seatedon the transverse intermediate portion of the U-shaped partition member 36f, as best shown `in Fig. 12. 'I'he bracket is provided with a socket 94a for the lamp B3, said bracket and socket being held in position by a pair of lugs 94h extending inwardly from the horizontal portions of the U-shaped partition member in engagement with the lamp socket as shown in Figs. ll and 12. It'will be understood that the bracket, the socket and the lamp therein constitute a unit which may be readily assembled between the horizontal portions of the U-shaped partition member by sliding it into position between said portions. The lamp is grounded on the casing IIc by means of a spring Contact member 95 disposed within the opening 95a of the insulating blocks 49b and 58h, the ends of the spring being held in engagement with the wall of the casing by the insulating block 50h as shown in Fig. 12. The central contact 60a of the lamp engages the spring contact 95, the latter tending to urge/ the lamp inwardly of the casing, thereby causing the socket 94a o1" the lamp to be properly seated on the lugs 94h.

In this modification the current for illuminating the lamp B3 ywill flow through the U-shaped partition member, the socket of the lamp, the contact member 60 of the lamp, the -filament and the contact 80a to the spring 95, which is grounded on the casing IIc, it being understood that the U-shaped partition member will be connected with the same binding posts and in the `same manner as the corresponding partition 1member 36 of Fig.,1.

While only one of the centrally disposed lamps is shown in Fig. 11, it will be understood that the one corresponding in position to, the lamp-E of Fig. 1 will be the same as the lamp B3 of Fig. 12 and will be mounted in the same manner. Furthermore the lamp B3 is adapted to be detached from the socket 94a upon rotating it to a position at which` the pins 56 will b e alined with the grooves of the socket, not'shown, but which correspond to the grooves 55 of the socket 54 of Fig. l.

As previously stated the signal is so designed that when the lights therein are turned oi the direction indicating arrows will not be rendered visible by the rays of the'headlights of an approaching vehicle or by sunlight or other exterior light sources. The driver of the approaching vehicle, therefore, cannot possibly become confused by the direction indicating signal under 8. the reception of the pins lob ca'r'rriedfby .the in'- sulating blocks 33 .and 40, as shown in Fig. 1,

wherebyrthe disks are held in proper assembledY relation upon the opposite sides of the'larnpvv casing.

It will be understood that the light diffusing disks having the arrows formedthereon may be omitted and plain light diffusing disks substitutedl therefor, in which case the arrow forming pockets only will constitute the direction indicating signals. l

Furthermore, instead of forming the opaque concentric'rings on the opposite faces of each of the front and rear colored disks or lenses such, for example, as the green and red'lenses, said rings may be formed on additional or separate disks, 'one to be placed adjacent each colored disk. The additional disk may be formed of relatively thin sheets of transparent or translucent material such, for example, as glass or Celluloid to which the inner and outer concenwithin the casing, one terminal of each of the last-mentioned lamps contacting the holding member of the lamp and the other engaging the casing vand causing the lamps to exert pressure on the resilient holding members whereby to urge the opposite portions thereof into engagev ment with the supporting devices corresponding thereto, and oppositely disposed indicia in connection with the casing adapted to form oppositely disposed operating signals each corresponding to certain of the lamps within the casing.

2. In an electric signaling device, a grounded lamp casing, said casing also having a plurality of indicia at opposite sides thereofl` constituting signaling elements, a plurality of lamps within the casing corresponding to each of the indicia, individual resilient holding -members for some of the lamps said members being insulated from the casing and forming with the lamps corresponding thereto units for insertion within and removal from the casing by a sliding movement substantially parallel to the axis of the casing, and supporting devices within and insulated from the casing corresponding to each of the umts and adapted to receive opposite portions of the holding4 members' slida if' minal of the lamp rof d corresponding hol'dingjlm be a grounded lamp casing, sulated from saidcasing y within thek casing on each" partition members and', jex pocket corresponding the means within and insulated each of the last-mention'e on which each is slidab'ly-m responding lamp as a unit lt 4 minal of the lamp in engagement 'i 4. In a signaling device'lof tHecl as described; a grounded lamp casing, Contact carriedby'fand insulated from the casing, partition niansinsul. lated from said casing engaging''fsaidv contacts yand dividing the casing`intOpOmpartmentsgua lamp mounted in each of said ycompartments, means for resiliently maintaining one of the terminals of each of the lamps in engagement `withthe casing,` whereby said casingservesFa-s `one side of the circuit, the other 'terminals offcertain; of said lamps being connectedato'ethe =partition means which serves as'thefotherzf side of-the circuit. I` l' f. i fr 5. In a signaling device of.;the classdescribed, a grounded signal lamp'casin'g`5 anged slidecontact members fastened on'xthe inner-.side of and insulated from the casingfrresilient'plateshavf ing their edges positioned against the outer sides. of the flanges of said members, a1 lamp mounted through each of sa'id platesand ,having itsbase positioned against the casingso-thatsaid .plates resiliently urge their edgesagainst: said iianges and the lamp base .again'st'fthexcasing,-eachyof said plates forming with its corresponding lamp a unit detachably mountedwithin' the casing and l. each serving to yieldingly maintain one terminal. of the lamp mounted thereon in-,engagement with the casing.

6. In a signaling device- .of/` the classdelscribed, a grounded lamp casinghaving ContactmembersI fastened on the inside( of andinsulatedn'rfrm 50 said casing, resilient plates'engagingsaidA contact members on the sides facineifth Csngl alanp extending through each ofglsaidpla Veffaiid i its b'ase pressing agamstythe'oasing oas-t the plates into engagement.y withgthecontacfi members, each of said plates together 1w associated lamp being :remQVabl -fro ing as a unit.

BURGEss, LW sM H. 

